According to WebMD.com, about 22,000 cases of cat scratch disease (CSD), also known as cat scratch fever, are reported annually in the United States. An unknown number of mild cases, however, may go unreported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 40 percent of cats carry the CSD-causing bacteria, Bartonella henselae, at some point during their lifetimes. Kittens are more likely to be infected with the bacteria, but it does not make cats sick.
Transmission of Cat Scratch Disease
The CSD-causing bacteria is transmitted through a cat's saliva when a cat bites or scratches; in the case of a scratch, the bacteria is present on a cat's paw from self-cleaning. An article on DrGreene.com reports that a lick from a cat on broken skin can also pass on the bacteria. FamilyDoctor.org adds that the bacteria can be transmitted through the eyes if they are rubbed after petting a cat. The site also states that the bacteria is initially transmitted to cats from infected fleas.
Symptoms and Treatment of Cat Scratch Disease
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for symptoms to appear. The most common symptoms are the following:
- swollen lymph nodes
- fever
- headache
- fatigue
- poor appetite
- blisters or sores at the site of the scratch or bite
Rarer symptoms include:
- enlarged spleen
- weight loss
- sore throat
Often, no treatment is needed; however, in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Complications of Cat Scratch Disease
Rarely, CSD can cause bacillary angiomatosis and Parinaud's oculolandular syndrome, two potentially dangerous infections. People with weakened immune systems due to cancer treatment, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS are at a higher risk than healthy individuals for developing more serious complications. However, all bites and scratches have the potential for infection.
How to Avoid Cat Scratch Disease
The CDC recommends the following:
- Avoid playing roughly with kittens and cats.
- Do not let cats lick any open cuts or wounds.
- Control fleas.
- To avoid infection, take care of any cat bites or scratches immediately by washing them with soap and water.
When to Call Your Doctor About Cat Scratch Disease
FamilyDoctor.org advises to call your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- scratches or bites at the site of transmission that take longer than usual to heal
- redness surrounding the bite or scratch, which is a sign of infection
- a fever that lasts for several days
- swollen, painful lymph nodes that last for two or more weeks
- pain in the joints, bones, or abdomen
- excessive tiredness that lasts for two or more weeks
Please note that this article is in no way a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.
Sources:
CDC.gov, "Cat Scratch Disease" (accessed January 28, 2010)
DrGreene.com, "Cat-Scratch Disease" (accessed January 28, 2010)
FamilyDoctor.org, "Cat-Scratch Disease" (accessed January 28, 2010)
WebMD.com, "Cat Scratch Disease" (accessed January 28, 2010)
Shannon O'Neill - Shannon O'Neill has an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from the University of New Hampshire. She is currently a reporter for the Boston-based ...
